AmeenaCardiacCare

Family History of Heart Disease: How Much Does It Increase Your Risk? Heart disease does not always happen because of lifestyle alone. Your family history can also influence your risk, especially when a close family member develops heart disease at a younger age. But having a family history of heart disease does not mean that you will definitely develop it. It means you may need to pay closer attention to your heart health and control the risk factors that you can change. What Does “Family History of Heart Disease” Mean? Family history means that certain heart or blood-vessel conditions have occurred among your close relatives, particularly your parents or siblings. A family history becomes more concerning when a close relative develops coronary artery disease or a heart attack at a relatively young age. It is also important to know whether your family has a history of: * Heart attack or coronary artery disease * Stroke * Sudden cardiac death * Very high cholesterol * Cardiomyopathy * ...

 Left-Sided Chest Pain: Is It Always the Heart? Left-sided chest pain is one of the most common symptoms that makes people worry about their heart. And rightly so—heart-related chest pain can sometimes be a medical emergency. However, not every left-sided chest pain is caused by the heart. Problems involving the muscles, ribs, lungs, stomach, or even nerves can also cause pain in the left side of the chest. The important question is: How can you tell when chest pain may be coming from the heart, and when should you seek urgent medical attention? What Can Cause Left-Sided Chest Pain? There are several possible causes of pain on the left side of the chest. 1. Heart-related causes Heart-related chest pain can occur when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. Common cardiac causes include: * Angina * Heart attack (myocardial infarction) * Inflammation around the heart (pericarditis) * Certain heart rhythm problems * Other conditions affecting the heart or coronary ...

 Breathlessness: Common Causes and When It May Be a Heart Problem Breathlessness, medically known as dyspnea, is the feeling of not getting enough air or having difficulty breathing. It can happen after strenuous exercise and may be completely normal. However, breathlessness that occurs suddenly, repeatedly, or even during routine activities should not be ignored. Although many people associate breathing difficulty with lung problems, heart conditions can also cause breathlessness. In some cases, it may be an early warning sign of a serious cardiovascular problem. At Ameena Heart & Critical Care Hospital, we believe that understanding the possible causes of breathlessness can help patients seek timely medical care. What Does Breathlessness Feel Like? People may describe breathlessness as: * Feeling unable to take a deep breath * Tightness in the chest * Feeling that there is not enough air * Rapid or difficult breathing * Getting tired or breathless during routine activities * ...

 Why Are Heart Attacks Increasing in Young Adults? Causes, Risk Factors & Prevention Ameena Heart & Critical Care Hospital A heart attack is often considered a disease of older adults. But that assumption can be dangerous. Young adults can also develop coronary artery disease and experience a heart attack, particularly when multiple cardiovascular risk factors are present. Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits and a family history of premature heart disease can all increase cardiovascular risk. Some of these risk factors can begin much earlier in life and may remain unnoticed for years. (www.heart.org) The good news is that many important risk factors are modifiable. Understanding your risk early and taking preventive steps can help protect your heart for years to come. What Is a Heart Attack? A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscl...

High BP and Heart Disease: Understanding the Connection High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most common risk factors for heart disease. It often develops without obvious symptoms, which is why it is sometimes called a “silent killer.” When blood pressure remains high for a long period, the heart has to work harder than normal. Over time, this increased workload can damage the heart and blood vessels and increase the risk of serious cardiovascular problems. How Does High BP Affect the Heart? Every time your heart beats, blood is pushed against the walls of your arteries. When this pressure remains consistently high, the arteries and heart can become damaged. Long-term uncontrolled hypertension can: * Make the heart muscle thicker and stiffer * Increase the workload on the heart * Damage the inner lining of blood vessels * Contribute to the formation of cholesterol plaques * Increase the risk of heart attack * Increase the risk of heart failure * Increase the r...

 ECG (Electrocardiogram): What It Is, Why It Is Done, and What It Can Detect An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the simplest and most commonly used tests to assess the electrical activity of the heart. It is a quick, painless, and non-invasive test that provides important information about your heart rate and rhythm. At Ameena Heart and Critical Care Hospital, ECG testing can help doctors evaluate symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness, and unexplained fatigue. What Is an ECG? An ECG, also called an EKG, records the electrical signals generated by your heart. These signals control the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat. During an ECG, small adhesive electrodes are placed on your chest and limbs. These electrodes detect the heart’s electrical activity, which is then displayed as characteristic waves on the ECG machine. The test usually takes only a few minutes and does not involve needles or injections. Why Is an ECG Done? Doctors may recommend an ECG ...